If you like something…

Author Notes:Isn’t fried chicken comfort food at its finest? It’s such a delicious treat. When you’re hankering for the good stuff, this lighter recipe will not disappoint. While you’re eating it, you don’t yearn for the real thing. You’re happy to be crunching into the super light, slightly smoky crust. You’re amazed that heart healthy Greek yogurt and olive oil produce moist and juicy chicken. It’s a no fuss, no muss recipe that you can cook up for busy, weeknight suppers. It’s equally good to take along on picnics. The chicken is super tender. The coating is light and crisp. I confess, I’ve eaten it cold, standing at the fridge, after a late night at the hospital. I think you’re going to love this recipe as much as I do. I hope you try it!
(Adapted from the Oven Fried Chicken Drumsticks recipe posted in the June 2013 issue of Taste of Home Magazine)

Makes 6 chicken drumsticks

Some Notes:

The chicken is coated with a healthy Greek yogurt mixture, keeping it über moist, tender and juicy. I use Fage brand yogurt in this recipe because it’s my favorite. There’s no need to marinate the chicken for hours.

Additional flavor is achieved from smoked paprika and lots of freshly cracked black pepper. The paprika lends a tasty subtle flavor. You can swap the black pepper for sriracha sauce too.

Pair this chicken with a some sautéed corn and potatoes and you’ve got yourself a cozy meal. Green beans or a crisp garden salad are also a great side dish.

As it cooks, drizzle some olive oil over it to ensure maximum crispness.
—Vintage Kitchen

Advertisement

Makes: 6

6 chicken drumsticks. I use free range raised chicken.

3 garlic cloves minced on a microplane zester or pressed in a garlic press

1 7 ounce container of 2 percent Greek yogurt. I use Fage brand.

1 heaping tablespoon of dijon mustard

1 cup self rising flour or regular white flour or more for dusting the chicken

1 tablespoon of smoked paprika

A teaspoon of fine grain sea salt

Lots of freshly cracked pepper or some sriracha sauce

Olive oil for drizzling or olive oil cooking spray

Preheat the oven to 425
Line a large baking pan with foil and coat with olive oil so the chicken doesn’t stick to the foil. You can also liberally coat with cooking spray.
In a large bowl combine the Greek yogurt, mustard, smoked paprika, minced garlic, salt and plenty of freshly cracked black pepper. Add the chicken. Coat the chicken in the yogurt mixture. You might have some yogurt mixture left over.
Place the flour in a separate bowl or on a plate. Coat each chicken drumstick with the flour.
Put the drumsticks on the oiled, foil-lined tray and bake in the oven for 45 minutes. About half way through the cooking time, drizzle each drumstick with more olive oil, ensuring that any dusting of white flour that remains visible is coated in oil. You can also liberally spray the chicken with cooking spray. Finish cooking it. Once done, remove the drumsticks and place on a paper towel lined plate. Serve hot or at room temperature. Enjoy!

I love this recipe! I do not do much fried food (never did) and use my oven for roasting and baking everything. I am also a huge fan of smoked paprika and have been known to sprinkle it on eggs, popcorn and buttered toast :) Thank you for sharing this superb idea allowing me to enjoy crunchy chicken legs again.

Thanks so much! I don't do much fried food either. I think the smoked paprika can even be bumped up in this recipe. I was super happy when I tasted this juicy, crispy chicken. I hope you like it! Thanks for leaving a kind comment.